Mumbai City FC's all-time starting 11
This playing XI represents more than stats—it celebrates style, substance, and storylines.
Mumbai City FC has established themselves as one of the most successful teams in Indian Super League (ISL) history, blossoming into a formidable attacking force.
From marquee signings in earlier seasons to building future stars, early days of promise to current stature as a perennial powerhouse, the Islanders have been graced by a plethora of talented individuals.
Mumbai City FC underwent a transition phase under two of the club's most successful head coaches. Sergio Lobera’s swashbuckling possession and Des Buckingham’s dynamic structure brought in a champion' mentality, which turned the Islanders into a serial contender in the ISL.
Mumbai City FC’s story isn’t just about titles—it’s about evolution. It’s about players who laid the foundation and those who built on it.
Crafting a team's all-time playing XI is not an easy task, as it involves weighing individual brilliance against team impact, longevity against peak performance, and the sheer charisma that makes a player a fan favorite.
With that said, we assembled an all-time XI for the Islanders, honoring players who not only delivered brilliance but also etched their names into Mumbai City FC folklore.
Amrinder Singh was the wall of MCFC's golden era. His sharp shot-stopping prowess and composure with the ball at his feet were instrumental in shaping the Islanders' defensive solidity. He also won the coveted Golden Gloves award in 2016, a testament to his consistent brilliance.
In his six-season spell with the Islanders, Singh featured in 84 games and recorded countless match-saving moments. Singh captained the MCFC side in their record-breaking ISL double-winning campaign in the 2020-21 season.
A defensively sound left-back, Subhasish Bose was a key figure during his two seasons with MCFC. He played a pivotal role, providing crucial stability on the left flank, contributing significantly to the team's playoff appearance under Jorge Costa.
Bose was a tireless worker through the left flank, showcasing his defensive solidity, characterized by robust tackling and intelligent positioning, and offensive versatility by making overlapping runs and delivering pinpoint crosses.
Lucian Goian was a stalwart at the back during his time at MCFC. The Romanian center back marshaled the backline with authority, showcasing his leadership abilities.
Known for his towering presence, Goian's sharp defending, aerial prowess, and ability to read the game made him a constant threat for opposition forwards.
Goian edges Mourtada Fall in this all-time XI for his sheer leadership quality and consistent performances.
Mehtab Singh featured in 92 games in MCFC colors and also recorded 24 clean sheets in five seasons. His calm demeanor, excellent positioning, and ability to play out from the back make him a crucial asset in MCFC's defensive setup.
Singh's development from a youngster to a consistent performer has been key to the team's defensive resilience in recent seasons. The 27-year-old Punjab-born defender was a part of the Islanders' league double-winning campaign. He was a vital cog in MCFC's League Shield triumph in 2022-23 and Cup glory in the 2023-24 season.
Rahul Bheke's versatility added a significant dimension to MCFC's defensive organization. His ability to seamlessly switch between roles, his relentless work rate, and his knack for scoring crucial goals made him an indispensable part of the Islanders playing eleven.
Local lad Bheke played a crucial role in the Islanders Shield win in the 2022-23 season and the Cup victory in the 2023-24 season.
Center Midfielder: Ahmed Jahouh
A midfielder like no other. Ahmed Jahouh has been a cornerstone in MCFC's success in the ISL, as he redefined the deep-lying playmaker role in the ISL, orchestrating the Islanders' attacks with his pinpoint passing, exceptional vision, and uncanny ability to control the tempo of the game.
A tactical brain and an on-field general, Jahouh's influence extended beyond numbers. Paulo Machado was close to challenging Jahouh for this spot, but the Moroccan's impact on MCFC's success is arguably different.
Joining the club as a young prodigy to become a midfield general, Apuia's journey with MCFC was something extraordinary.
The Mizo midfielder was an integral part of MCFC's Shield triumph in the 2022-23 season and also played a commanding role in their Cup victory in the 2023-24 season. With calmness under pressure, elite ball progression, and defensive diligence, Apuia's maturity beyond his years and his consistent high-level performances make him an indispensable part of the Islanders' midfield.
Attacking Midfielder: Greg Stewart
A wizard on the pitch, Greg Stewart was the creative hub in MCFC's lineup during his stint at the club.
The Scottish playmaker brought an unparalleled level of creativity and directness to the Islanders attack. His ability to dribble past defenders, pick out incisive passes, and score spectacular goals from various positions made him a nightmare for opposition defenses.
Stewart edges out Boumous in this regard, given his all-round impact during his stint with the Islanders.
Right Wing Forward: Lallianzuala Chhangte
Lallianzuala Chhangte, the MCFC captain, is next in this queue. He played a crucial role in the Islanders' League Shield triumph in 2022-23 and Cup glory in the 2023-24 season.
Chhangte's blistering pace, direct running, and clinical finishing have made him an integral part of MCFC's attacking unit. His ability to cut inside and unleash powerful shots, along with his improved decision-making in the final third, has made him a constant goal threat in recent years.
Left Wing Forward: Bipin Singh
Bipin Singh, an MCFC legend!
Singh was an integral part of the Islanders' successful campaign in the ISL. He was a consistent menace from the left wing, steadily becoming a fan favorite and a consistent contributor to the team's success.
His intelligent runs, sharp finishing, and ability to link up with the central attackers make him a vital component of the team's fluid attacking system.
Center Forward: Jorge Pereyra Diaz
Agile, clinical, and intelligent, and his predatory instincts inside the box, combined with his ability to drop deep and link play, make him a complete forward in ISL history.
Diaz scored 21 goals in his 37 appearances for the Islanders. The lethal forward was an influential figure in MCFC's League Shield glory in 2022-23 and Cup win in the 2023-24 season.
Modou Sougou, another strong contender for the sole striker position, is edged out by the Argentina international given his ability to shine in demanding situations.
Head coach: Sergio Lobera
Renowned for his possession-based, attacking football philosophy, Lobera led MCFC to play with high possession, intricate passing, and a strong offensive mindset, which was lauded as entertaining to watch.
The Spaniard was the pioneer of the Islanders' revolution in the league. Under Lobera's tutelage, MCFC became the first team to complete the ISL double in the 2020-21 season.
